I've noticed over the last couple of weeks discussions have gotten quite heated. While a good debate is certainly cool, it's not cool when those debates turn to flames. If you follow a bunch of these threads you'll find that the participants begin to skirt the edge of flames and such.

Clearly these types of discussions are difficult to have without pressing someone's buttons. Not everyone is going to agree on all issues, but we all will feel compelled (rightfully so) to present and defend our beliefs on issues.

That said, here's what I'm asking: PLEASE do your best to follow 1 Peter 3:15 in your discussions:

(15) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (16) keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I am NOT saying that we should just accept another's view and let them dwindle away in a behavior that's Biblically failing, or what have you...I'm just saying that there are proper ways of handling confrontation and improper ways. Handled with "gentleness and respect", people are more likely to look into what you're saying. Handled pridefully (from either side of the debate), and neither of you will be justified because it becomes a debate of human will, not of God's will.

Thanks for reading.

-Krylar

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